Firefighters fear a warehouse torn apart by a devastating blaze in Netherton yesterday may have contained deadly asbestos.

Tyres were believed to have been dumped in the disused building on an industrial estate near to Switch Island and this sent thick black smoke billowing across the area.

The flames also came close to the back of nearby houses forcing people to leave their homes.

This morning firefighters appeared to have taken control of the area but still warned members of the public to stay away.

Firecrews continue to battle a blaze inside a warehouse off Park Lane West, Netherton, this morning. Photo by James Maloney

Firecrews continue to battle a blaze inside a warehouse off Park Lane West, Netherton. Photo by James Maloney

The blaze broke out at around 6.45pm last night. Merseyside Fire and Rescue described the building in Park Lane West as being “well alight” and initially sent four engines and a platform ladder to the scene.

But as the fire continued to rage after two hours this had been increased to eight - and it appeared that the roof, possibly made from asbestos, was starting to collapse.

There were no immediate reports of anybody being at the site or of anyone suffering injuries.

Firecrews continue to battle a blaze inside a warehouse off Park Lane West, Netherton. Photo by James Maloney

Even though the scene of the fire was on busy Dunnings Bridge Road and flames could easily be seen by passing motorists there were no road closures, although police were controlling traffic on Park Lane West.

A nearby petrol station was also closed as a precaution.

As the thick smoke continued to fill the sky local residents were advised to stay inside and keep their doors and windows closed.

However, the heat from the fire could be felt on nearby Richmond Crescent where some people left their homes.

The Emergency Services at the scene. (Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)

Fireman at the scene. (Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)

One resident described hearing a loud bang and a whoosh as the building went up in flames.

Another said: “I went into the kitchen and all I could see out the patio doors was the massive flames surrounded by black smoke.”

The residents returned later in the evening even though fire crews were still fighting the flames from their back gardens.

Workers from other units on the industrial estate said that the burning building had been empty for a few years. And one added: “People dump tyres and gas canisters outside because there’s no one to complain about it.”

An update on the Merseyside Fire and Rescue website said: “The warehouse is believed to have contained a significant amount of tyres which have contributed to the smoke plume.”

Fire crews at the scene said they were expecting to remain there throughout the night - as the building continued to burn more than four hours later.

The huge blaze comes just 24 hours after a factory fire in Widnes also sent smoke billowing into the air which could be seen for miles around.